Advent Calendar Ideas for Grown Ups

Advent calendars are a charming way to make the entire month of December feel like Christmas. There are a lot of them out there, and TABLE has compiled some unique advent calendar ideas that go beyond the classics for a gift that will show the recipient that you really know them. Buy now, though, because advent calendars sell out fast!

Advent Calendar Ideas for All Kinds

A red staged image of a wine-themed advent calendar featuring miniature bottles of wine from around the world
Photo courtesy of InGoodTaste

InGoodTaste Wine Advent Calendar 

With twenty-four mini bottles of wine, this advent calendar takes you on a oenophile journey through many of the most interesting grapes that Italy, Spain, South Africa, Argentina, Australia, and California has to offer. You might want to slide into Dry January with some mocktails after spending December with this, though.

A red and gold bag of nuts and snacks in an advent calendar
Photo courtesy of dm snacks

24 Days of Gourmet Nuts & Snacks

Snacking and grazing is one of Gen Z’s favorite food trends, and nuts are a fairly healthy option. Enjoy Salted Roasted Cashews, Smokey BBQ Peanuts, Sour Cream & Onion Pepita & Cashew Mix, Wasabi Green Peas, and more in this gourmet nuts advent calendar from DM Snacks.

The pink and green cover of a Wicked-themed advent calendar from Simon & Schuster
Photo courtesy of Simon & Schuster

Wicked: The Official Advent Calenda

For a musical theater fan who can’t get enough of this 2024 movie-musical release, look no further than the official Wicked advent calendar from Simon & Schuster. The calendar features patches, laptop stickers, keychains, and a variety of other merchandise inspired by the film’s characters and settings.

A red Swarovski advent calendar on a white background, tied with a bow
Photo courtesy of Swarovski

Swarovski Annual Edition Advent Calendar

If you’re in the mood to splurge, this $1200 Swarovski advent calendar definitely really shows someone you care. More power to you if you do gift it, but if I purchased this, nobody would be getting any presents on actual Christmas. This year’s beautiful designs take you through a holiday train made of crystal depictions of forested landscapes.

An advent calendar from L'Occitane, full of perfume, beauty products, and face washes
Photo courtesy of L’Occitane

The Classic Advent Calendar from L’Occitane

Anyone else have memories of wandering through L’Occitane with their mom as a kid, wondering what all the fuss was about? L’Occitane was one of the first beauty brands I was aware of, and at ten years old I couldn’t appreciate it. As an adult, however, a L’Occitane beauty advent calendar sounds great. 2024’s Classic Advent Calendar features full-size favorites and icons like Immortelle Divine Cream, Shea Butter Hand Cream and Almond Milk Concentrate—plus hair care and other items inspired by the Provençal countryside.

An illustrated Santa-themed advent calendar from Lindt showing whimsical scenes of Santa's workshop
Photo courtesy of Lindt

Lindt Holiday Santa’s Workshop Advent Calendar 

Here’s one for nostalgic adults (and yes, for kids, too) complete with Lindt truffles, chocolate balls, and pralines behind each window of Santa’s workshop. The illustrations are whimsical and festive, bringing to mind the classic Christmas movies of childhood.

A set of boxes of stationery in various colors, pink, blue, and yellow, on a beige background.
Photo courtesy of Erin Condren

12 Days of Organization Advent Calendar

Know someone (or live with someone) who’s struggling to get their messy house under control? This advent calendar can be a nudge in the right direction to tidy up as the new year approaches with stationery and organizational accessories like washi tape, gel pens, and stamps.

 

An advent calendar from National Geographic with different-colored rocks surrounding it for kids to explore
Photo courtesy of National Geographic

National Geographic Rock, Mineral & Fossil Advent Calendar

Maybe you have a curious young scientist in your family. This National Geographic rock, mineral, and fossil calendar encourages that exploratory spirit with a makeshift excavation kit and geodes and gems for that budding geologist.

A coffee-themed advent calendar from Onyx, staged with a calendar and a pourover glas
Photo courtesy of Onyx Coffee

Bean Box Coffee Advent Calendar

The holidays can be tiring. Why not have a whole advent calendar’s worth of caffeination? Onyx Coffee Lab’s coffee advent calendar features both their signature blends and exclusive Advent-only coffees from their award-winning artisanal roasters.

A Williams-Sonoma advent calendar themed around The Grinch, showing gummy candies and an illustrated sleigh
Photo courtesy of Williams-Sonoma

Williams-Sonoma Grinch Advent Calendar

We’ve all got a bit of the Grinch in us. But even the green curmudgeon himself would enjoy the caramels, gummies, and chocolates behind each door in Williams-Sonoma’s Dr. Seuss-themed advent calendar. The foiled milk chocolate hearts will make yours grow three sizes!

A snowy Alpine village in an advent calendar from Arhaus
Photo courtesy of Arhaus

Arhaus Snowy Alpine Village 

This handcrafted wooden advent calendar from Arhaus is a cozy and classic advent calendar idea, with a village scene lit internally by soft LED lights. It allows you to customize your advent calendar gifts, since it doesn’t come with them. So, consider this advent calendar if you want to add a personalized touch.

Story by Emma Riva / Cover photo courtesy of Onyx Coffee Roasters

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